Gaming is for everybody to enjoy: it's a way to pass time, it's a distraction from pain, and it's an outlet for frustration. Plus, you get freakin' epics!
Left-hand Mouse + FPS Pad
This is my personal favorite for those that have a fully functioning left hand. It is as close to the traditional setup as I think you can get, really.
Pro's
- Natural WASD movement- Access to many customizable keys
Con's
- Takes a few weeks to get used to left-hand mousing, if you're new to it- While it is a close substitute, you still need a full keyboard to communicate
- Cost (you've got two devices to buy)
Source
Razer Death Adder - Left Handed EditionCyber Snipa Game Pad 2
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Gamepad
I can't remember which Final Fantasy it was that was native to PS2, but whichever it was, must've sucked trying to type out messages to guild mates and party members. At any rate, this is also a somewhat natural solution. While WoW was certainly not designed to be played with two thumbsticks, it is a transition that we gamers can relate to, going from Counterstrike on the PC, to Halo on the X-box.
Pro's
- If you own a console, there's no purchase necessary! Just grab your 360 or PS3 controller - Turbo! Seriously, no one crams in more GCD's in a fight than I do, if I'm playing on my PS3 pad
- With the proper setup, the buttons being so close together and ergonomic, I can smoothly switch from a DPS spell, to a utility spell without my hand jumping halfway across the G15
- Put your feet up and relax! Playing WoW while laying back on the couch is awesome!
Con's
- Cursor movement is awkward and slow (YOU try going from a wrist movement to a thumb movement)- No ability to type or communicate, without sitting up, which cramps the relaxed vibe
- Can't heal - if a scrub raider forgets to move out of fire, there's no way my thumb is gonna save his life
Source
Any USB gamepadXpadder - for button assignments
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Macro-ready Keyboard
For those that have difficulty with digital dexterity (look it up, it has nothing to do with technology), the creation of macros that can execute a string of abilities with a single click is hugely beneficial. Yeah, yeah, it's cheating, whatever. I guarantee you the people that look down on others for utilizing a G15 or similar have no disability.
Pro's
- Come on, hit 1 button, and a series of spells are triggered, how awesome is that?!Con's
- Keyboards like this are usually expensive- If you need to change something in the middle of an execution, you're stuck
- Players that rely on procs (ie. Balance Druids) are SOL, because a macro cannot dynamically change
Source
Logitech's G13, G15, G19, or G510or similar from other brands, but I'm far too lazy to link them
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Trackball + Speech Recognition
I am lucky to not have to resort to this, but say you're just flat out missing a few fingers. If you've still got a good thumb, you can control the cursor with it, and then use a microphone and software to control left and right clicking, movement, spells, heck, even looting.
Pro's
- Allows the severely disabled to play WoW - something that would ordinarily be impossibleCon's
- Limits the speed at which you can reactSource
Trackball from Logitech or similarKiller Software's Speech Recognition engine
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Foot pedals
Shameless self promotion incoming: I put up a super awesome post about how to craft your own foot pedals out of nothing more than an old keyboard, a box o' springs, and a roll of duct tape (scroll down to read it).
Pro's
- While not a complete solution, it's a great addition to any gamer's setup, not just the disabled- It's free!
Con's
- This DIY solution will probably wear out after a couple months of use, but you can always repair it with more duct tape! (252 uses for duct tape <-- click that there link)---
Maybe I've been watching too much Scrubs lately, but I feel the need to sum up with a cheesy/sentimental line,
play the game the way you want to and don't let your physical limitations hold you back from getting what you want to get out of WoW.
